Data Centers Influence Ohio Voters More Than Other Battleground States

In Ohio, data centers have become a more significant issue for voters compared to other battleground states surveyed by The New York Times/Siena. In the survey, 3% of Ohio voters identified data centers as the most crucial issue influencing their vote. This percentage was far higher than the less than 1% recorded in Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, and Texas. This concern arises amidst Ohio Republicans’ varying support for artificial intelligence (AI) development, highlighted in Newsweek’s AI Policy Scorecard. The scorecard assesses lawmakers’ public records and stances on AI policy, including data centers, using a scale from “Skeptic” to “Booster.”

AI Policy Scorecard and Ratings

The AI Policy Scorecard evaluates the public records of lawmakers on AI policy, considering bills sponsored and votes cast. The methodology for the scorecard can be read on Newsweek’s platform.

David Taylor

Representative David Taylor (OH-02) is categorized as “Lean Booster” for Data Centers & Energy, scoring a 3.7. His support for H.R. 1047, the GRID Power Act, which affects interconnection requests and prioritizes dispatchable power projects, played a part in this rating. Sabato’s Crystal Ball considers his race safe for the incumbent party.

David Joyce

David Joyce (OH-14) also receives a “Lean Booster” status regarding AI policy. Like Taylor, his race is deemed secure by Sabato’s Crystal Ball.

Jim Jordan

Jim Jordan (OH-04) is rated as “Lean Booster,” with his vote for H.R. 4776, the SPEED Act, cited on his record. Sabato’s Crystal Ball predicts a safe race for him.

Max Miller

Max Miller (OH-07) has a “Mixed” rating, with records showing both “Skeptic” and “Booster” tendencies. His race is categorized as a “toss-up.”

Michael Rulli

Michael Rulli (OH-06) scores a four out of five as a “Lean Booster,” partly due to his support for building AI data centers for local revenue.

Michael Turner

Michael Turner (OH-10) is seen as “Lean Booster.” His race is leaning Republican according to Sabato’s Crystal Ball.

Mike Carey

Mike Carey (OH-15) has a score of 3.8 in the “Lean Booster” category. Sabato’s Crystal Ball also leans his race Republican.

Robert Latta

Robert Latta (OH–05) scores 3.9 and holds a “Lean Booster” status. He has called for investigations into foreign efforts blocking U.S. data centers and has spoken positively about AI’s economic benefits.

Troy Balderson

Troy Balderson (OH-12) shares a 3.8 score in the “Lean Booster” grouping. His race remains safe for incumbents in Ohio.

Warren Davidson

Warren Davidson (OH-08) scores 3.7, also categorized as “Lean Booster.”

Jon Husted

Senator Jon Husted is marked as “Lean Skeptic” with a 2.7 score. His involvement with the Ratepayer Protection Act and related initiatives highlight his focus on electricity cost reduction and grid resilience near data centers. His race is seen as a “toss-up.”

Newsweek contacted all mentioned lawmakers for comments, with a spokesperson for Taylor declining to comment.